Course overview
Uniformed Services Level 3 City of Bristol CollegeThe Level 3 Uniformed Services Diploma is a one-year, full-time course, that can be topped up in the second year to an Extended Diploma on successful completion of the first year.
This course will prepare you to join a variety of public services, including the police, the fire service and the military. You will gain insight into the roles, responsibilities and associated standards and skills which public services demand.
This course will also prepare you to access higher-level learning in a related field.
If you’re aged 19+ and this will be your first Level 3 course, it could be free for you under the government’s National Skills Fund (NSF) scheme. Get in touch to find out more.
Dates and applications
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Course Code | Dates | Duration | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
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LMF1297D01-1 | 08/09/2025 - 25/06/2026 | 1 years | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | Enquire | 09:15 | SBSA and Construction Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
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Additional information
Who is this course for?
This course is for young people aged 16-18.
If you are interested in joining the public services, in an active or administrative role, or you are interested more generally in the role played by public services in society, then this could be the right course for you.
What you'll learn
You will learn about different uniformed services, the regulations that govern them and the different duties and disciplines that guide them. For example, you will learn about government policies, citizenship, and the values, standards and behaviour expected of those working in public service. This includes, for example, consideration for other, the value of collaboration and teamwork, and the importance of personal discipline, motivation and pride in your work.
You will also have plenty of opportunities, through activities and volunteering, to develop the practical skills and attributes you need for a career in the public services. For example, you will learn skills for outdoor activities on land and water, including expedition skills, and you will develop your understanding of leadership and team work and associated skills such as decision making and communications. You may have the opportunity to take part in the World Skills team trials.
Course entry requirements
5 x GCSEs at 4 or above, or a Level 2 equivalent in a relevant subject. You will have gained either English and/or Maths at GCSE 4 or above, or Level 2 Functional skills in English and/or Maths.
We will invite you to a course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria.
All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.
If you are applying for a creative practice-based course, you will be invited to bring a portfolio of work that demonstrated what you have done in your previous courses.
We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
At college, you will learn through a mix of classroom work, individual and group projects, practical activities and guest speakers.
You will have many opportunities to learn outside of college through visits to public service institutions, participating in outdoor activities and through volunteering work.
Your work will be assessed through a combination of practical and written tasks including assignments, presentations and practical observations. Your fitness levels will also be assessed throughout the course.
If you are studying Maths or English, these subjects will be assessed through tests and exams.
Future career and study opportunities
If you successfully complete the Diploma in year one, you can progress to the Extended Diploma in year two. This would enable you to progress to a university-level Uniformed/Public Services course.
You could seek employment in one of the many public services after completing the Diploma or the Extended Diploma. For example, the Army, the Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force, the Police, the Ambulance Service and Paramedics, coastguard and Fire and Rescue Services. Some will require entry tests.
Additional costs
You will need to pay £250 towards the cost of your uniform, educational trips and transport.
If you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.
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